Compare the2022 Lexus RXVS 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

Both the RX and the Outlander have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The Lexus RX weighs 419 to 1147 pounds more than the Mitsubishi Outlander. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The RX’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Outlander’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the RX’s reliability 24 points higher than the Outlander.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the RX first among midsize premium suvs in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The Outlander isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mitsubishi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 35 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mitsubishi is ranked 13th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mitsubishi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus third in reliability. Mitsubishi is ranked 20th.

The RX 350’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 114 more horsepower (295 vs. 181) and 87 lbs.-ft. more torque (268 vs. 181) than the Outlander’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder. The RX 450h’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid produces 127 more horsepower (308 vs. 181) than the Outlander’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the RX 450h 3.5 V6 Hybrid CVT AWD gets better fuel mileage than the Outlander AWC (31 city/28 hwy vs. 24 city/30 hwy).

Regenerative brakes improve the RX Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Outlander doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the RX Hybrid’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. The Outlander doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The RX Hybrid’s standard fuel tank has 2.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the Outlander (17.2 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The RX’s standard fuel tank has 4.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the Outlander (19.2 vs. 14.5 gallons).

The RX has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Outlander; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The RX offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Outlander’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The RX has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Outlander doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the RX’s wheelbase is 3.3 inches longer than on the Outlander (109.8 inches vs. 106.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the RX is 1.7 inches wider in the front and .9 inches wider in the rear than on the Outlander.

For excellent aerodynamics, the RX has standard flush composite headlights. The Outlander has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The RX has 2.4 inches more front legroom, 2.6 inches more front hip room, 2.8 inches more rear hip room and 1.7 inches more rear shoulder room than the Outlander.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the RX’s rear seats recline. The Outlander’s middle row seats don’t recline.

The RX has a much larger cargo volume than the Outlander with its rear seat up (16 vs. 11.7 cubic feet).

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the RX. The Outlander doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Maximum trailer towing in the Mitsubishi Outlander is limited to 2000 pounds. The RX offers up to a 3500 lbs. towing capacity.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Mitsubishi. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 38% lower rating, Mitsubishi is ranked 14th.

The RX’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Outlander’s standard passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the RX the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Outlander can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The RX’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Outlander ES’ standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the RX offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Outlander doesn’t offer cornering lights. The RX also offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The RX’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mitsubishi only offers heated mirrors on the Outlander SE/SEL.

The RX’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Outlander offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the RX keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Outlander doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The RX offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Outlander doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Consumer Reports® chose the Lexus RX as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Mitsubishi Outlander isn't recommended.

The Lexus RX outsold the Mitsubishi Outlander by over four to one during the 2021 model year.